2026 Birdcage Reveal
Celebrity appearances, champagne showers, spectacular glass interiors, and a secret room that only a lucky few can enter. Flemington’s 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival Birdcage was unveiled yesterday, and this year’s offering is something special.
Flemington buzzed with excitement yesterday as Melbourne’s social set gathered for the official unveiling of the 2026 Birdcage Enclosure, offering guests an exclusive first look at the luxury awaiting them throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Crown ambassador Bec Judd brought her signature glamour to the occasion, joining Marmont Executive Director Grant Smillie to unveil Crown x Marmont’s impressive new three-level destination.
Meanwhile, AFL star Isaac Quaynor got considerably more than he bargained for when G.H. Mumm popped its traditional magnum of champagne, leaving him absolutely drenched in the good stuff!
Taking it all in his stride, Quaynor spoke enthusiastically about the Carnival, saying he loves bumping into people left, right and centre, dressing up and soaking up the atmosphere that makes Melbourne Cup week so special.
And then there was Lexus, unveiling a breathtaking crystalline masterpiece of glass, mirrored surfaces and light, creating one of the most visually striking spaces we’ve seen at Flemington.
For those who love a little mystery, Don Julio Hacienda introduced one of the Carnival’s most intriguing experiences: a secret dining room, where entry is like receiving a golden ticket.
From exquisite interiors and spectacular trackside views to private dining experiences, statement bars and celebrity-filled guest lists, Flemington is preparing for four extraordinary days of racing, fashion and hospitality.
Crown x Marmont: Bec Judd Brings Race-Day Glamour
Crown ambassador Rebecca Judd joined Marmont Executive Director Grant Smillie to unveil Crown x Marmont’s striking three-level Birdcage destination, combining contemporary design, luxury hospitality and the excitement of the Spring Racing Carnival.
The expanded space features a spectacular 10-metre bar, an elevated VIP lounge and a balcony overlooking the Flemington track.
A specially commissioned mural by artist Jeff Philips adds a bold creative statement, while a hidden secret room offers an exclusive cocktail experience by appointment.
Signature cocktails complement a selection of premium canapés, while upstairs, guests can enjoy sushi, sashimi and bespoke caviar service.
LANDMARK by Lexus: A Breathtaking Crystalline Masterpiece
LANDMARK by Lexus delivered one of yesterday’s most spectacular unveilings, revealing a magnificent three-level pavilion inspired by the Japanese concept of Akebono, the moment just before sunrise.
Under the creative theme A New Dawn, 26 dancers carrying gold fans performed across the upper balconies before converging for the reveal of the coveted Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy.
Inside, a breathtaking interplay of glass, mirrored surfaces and light creates an almost jewel-like effect. Transparent furnishings, shimmering reflections and sculptural floral installations give the pavilion a striking crystalline quality, while citrus and yellow tones add warmth and colour.
The result is an extraordinary architectural statement, with every surface reflecting the beauty of its surroundings.
After nine years covering the Birdcage, this is certainly one of the most elaborate and visually impressive Lexus designs we’ve seen.
Created in collaboration with acclaimed Melbourne design studio Hecker Guthrie, with floral installations by Joost and Ruby Bakker of Bakker Flowers, the pavilion celebrates contemporary luxury and Japanese craftsmanship.
Restaurateur Jason M Jones brings the celebrated dining experiences of Entrecôte and Gigi to Flemington, while Rebecca Vallance, Madeleine de Proust and St Remio are also among this year’s collaborators.
With its exceptional design and an impressive celebrity guest list expected throughout the Carnival, LANDMARK by Lexus is certainly fit for the A-list crowd.
Don Julio Hacienda: A Secret Room and the Golden-Ticket Experience
One of the most intriguing destinations unveiled yesterday was Don Julio Hacienda, overlooking the Flemington track on Millionaires Row.
With its Mexican-inspired interiors, spectacular views and signature cocktails, the Hacienda offers an inviting yet luxurious setting for racegoers.
But the real intrigue lies downstairs.
Hidden within the space is El Secreto Bar, an intimate, invitation-only dining room where selected guests will be welcomed for an exclusive five-course experience paired with Don Julio 1942.
And here’s where things get interesting. Guests may find themselves personally selected and invited inside, rather like being handed a golden ticket to one of the Carnival’s most exclusive experiences.
Internationally acclaimed chef Claudette Zepeda, personally selected by Australian chef Curtis Stone, has created a menu celebrating her Mexican heritage with a contemporary luxury twist.
Upstairs, guests can enjoy Mexican-inspired cuisine alongside Don Julio Margaritas, Palomas and the Carnival’s signature Golden Gallop cocktail.
Zepeda will be at the Hacienda on Derby Day and Melbourne Cup Day, making this one of the most exciting culinary experiences at Flemington.
G.H. Mumm: Champagne Showers and a Touch of Paris
After Isaac Quaynor’s memorable champagne shower at yesterday’s unveiling, G.H. Mumm is ready to welcome guests aboard its elegant G.H. Mumm 1827 Express, inspired by the romance and sophistication of luxury train travel.
Across two levels, guests will discover an outdoor viewing deck, the Voiture bar and an exclusive Private Dining Carriage.
Melbourne restaurant Maison Bâtard will deliver the private dining experience, with executive chef Adam Sanderson presenting a specially curated menu paired with premium G.H. Mumm Champagne.
DJ Dijok will provide the entertainment, while guests can enjoy champagne and sweeping views across Flemington.
With its timeless elegance, exceptional hospitality and signature champagne celebrations, G.H. Mumm remains one of the Birdcage’s most popular destinations.
Nine: Where Racing Meets Entertainment
Official Melbourne Cup Carnival broadcaster Nine has unveiled a contemporary new destination inspired by the vibrant colours and patterns of racing silks.
Created by Ed&Ed Studio alongside international florist Chloe Szukiloj of CSStudio, the design combines striking geometric details, sophisticated furnishings and an exclusive trackside viewing lounge.
Nine has partnered with The Big Group for its culinary and beverage offering, while artworks from Nicole Slater’s Stables Collection bring a creative element to the interiors.
Eddie McGuire, Billy Slater, James Bracey and Francesca Cumani joined Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham for the unveiling.
TAB Social: Long Live the Local
TAB has brought a completely different energy to this year’s Birdcage with TAB Social: Long Live the Local, a contemporary take on the traditional Australian pub.
The two-level destination features a Flemington-shaped Track Bar, a hidden Trophy Room, a pool table and a Happy Hour Bell signalling cocktail service.
Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan joined Melbourne Cup-winning trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy, jockey Mark Zahra and presenter Ally Mosley for the unveiling, with 2020 Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment also making an appearance.
Guests can expect pub-inspired dining, signature cocktails and live entertainment, with the hidden Trophy Room showcasing the Brisbane Lions’ three premiership cups on Melbourne Cup Day alongside the 2026 Melbourne Cup trophy.
It’s a more relaxed approach to Birdcage hospitality, celebrating Australia’s love of racing, sport and the atmosphere of a great local pub.
Asahi Super Dry: A Taste of Tokyo
Asahi Super Dry brings a distinctly Japanese influence to Flemington with a sophisticated two-storey beer garden inspired by Tokyo’s contemporary bar scene.
A striking black, red and silver palette complements Japanese-inspired gardens, creating a sleek and inviting atmosphere.
Asahi ambassador Keita Amemiya will showcase the art of the perfect Japanese pour, with live music adding to the experience.
Open to VRC members and Birdcage guests, the space offers a stylish setting to enjoy the racing in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Yakimono: Japanese Street Food Comes to Flemington
Popular Melbourne restaurant Yakimono makes its Birdcage debut with an expanded dining space, live entertainment and a dedicated Asahi bar.
Executive chef Daniel Wilson will present a selection of the restaurant’s signature Japanese-inspired street food, bringing another vibrant dining experience to the Carnival.
Birdcage Pamper Lounge: Race-Day Beauty and Style
Of course, no Melbourne Cup Carnival would be complete without fabulous fashion and beauty.
Celebrity makeup artist Chantelle Baker joins Ellette Beauty to offer professional makeup services and touch-ups, while model Rozalia Russian showcases the latest race-day beauty looks.
Celebrity hairstylist Joey Scandizzo also returns, bringing his renowned styling expertise to Flemington.
Cygnett makes its Birdcage debut with a dedicated Recharge Lounge, offering complimentary phone charging so guests can capture every moment of their Carnival experience.
There is something undeniably special about the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The fashion, the atmosphere, the excitement of the racing and, of course, the people who make it one of Australia’s most anticipated social occasions.
With exceptional hospitality, beautifully designed spaces, private experiences and a who’s who of Australian and international personalities expected throughout the Carnival, Flemington is preparing for four unforgettable days.
Derby Day opens proceedings on Saturday, 31 October, followed by Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, 3 November, Oaks Day on Thursday, 5 November, and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, 7 November.
After nine years covering the Melbourne Cup Carnival, one thing remains certain: nobody does racing, fashion and hospitality quite like Melbourne. And judging by yesterday’s unveiling, this year’s Birdcage will be something special.
For more information please visit https://www.vrc.com.au/
By Melinda Sullivan
Images by Toby Sullivan @Justpose_
